JUNEAU – The members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition congratulate Coalition Leader Representative Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage) and talk radio host Bernadette Wilson on the birth of their daughter. Penelope Grace Tuck was born at 7:10 am Sunday morning, April 19.

Given the increased activity in the home stretch of the session, I’ll be posting more frequent editions of Southeast Spotlight. Please also check out my Facebook and Twitter pages for daily updates and postings.

The legislative session has picked up the pace as we near the home stretch. With less than a month left, the House is holding Floor sessions nearly every day. The operating budget will be a big focus as we close in on the end of session, but since there is a lot of information out there already (see “Fiscal Reality with David Teal” and “As the Alaska Legislature makes cuts”), I’d like to focus my comments on something even MORE engrossing: audits.

Happy Spring Equinox! In this week’s newsletter, we will touch on Medicaid, an Alaska Natural Gas pipeline, and finish up with a couple of shout outs and reminders. A very big thank you to everyone who has called, emailed, wrote, and visited the office this session – it’s great to hear from you.

Juneau – The Alaska House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Thursday night without the support of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition. All 13 members voted no because the budget harms seniors and children while protecting corporate interests and unaffordable projects. The Republican budget includes the total elimination of pre-k programs and a significant $32 million cut in funding for K-12 public education. Overall, the budget deficit still remains $3.5 billion. The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition proposed millions of dollars in spending cuts while supporting efforts to protect education, seniors and kids.

This isn’t my usual “Southeast Spotlight” newsletter (that will be coming to you in the next couple days). Instead, I wanted to send a quick heads up about an additional opportunity to testify on the operating budget. After expressing concerns that many Alaskans would be unable to testify during the scheduled times due to work obligations, I am pleased to report that the Committee Chair will be providing additional opportunities to testify by telephone in the evening hours

Juneau – Education is Alaska’s best investment and the members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition adamantly object to a proposal to reduce public education funding by over 18 percent. The House Finance Budget Subcommittee for the Department of Education and Early Development approved the FY 2016 budget proposal Tuesday night despite the objections of Rep. Sam Kito III (D-Juneau) and Rep. Dan Ortiz (I-Ketchikan).

As we work our way through session, we have been fortunate to be able to visit with many constituents and advocacy groups. Thank you to those of you who have contacted us and come by our office. We appreciate hearing from you. Here’s where we find ourselves on the 35th legislative day.